Episodes

Nov. 28, 2024

Ep. 7 - SEA Dreams - FOOD FIGHT! What is the Best National Dish in Southeast Asia?

In this episode of SEA Dreams , we dive into one of the most delicious debates: which Southeast Asian dish reigns supreme? From pho to pad thai, curries to nasi lemak, the region's culinary diversity is a feast for the senses...

Listen to the episode

Nov. 27, 2024

390 - Viet History Makers - Emperor Bao Dai - What Would You Do As The Last King?

Join host Kenneth Nguyen and series co-host Kevin Pham, author of Architects of Dignity , in this sub-series of the podcast, exploring the key figures and moments in Vietnamese history. In this episode, we delve into the life...

Listen to the episode

Nov. 19, 2024

389 - Vietnamese History Makers - Phan Boi Chau - How Would You Respond to Colonialism Today?

Join host Kenneth Nguyen and series co-host Kevin Pham, author of Architects of Dignity , in this compelling sub-series of the podcast, exploring the key figures and moments in Vietnamese history. In this episode, we deep div...

Listen to the episode

Nov. 14, 2024

Episode 6 - SEA Dreams - Patrons or Parasites? The Digital Nomad Debate in Southeast Asia

In this episode of SEA Dreams, we delve into the rise of digital nomadism and its unique relationship with Southeast Asia. What began as a niche lifestyle for remote workers has now evolved into a global movement—but how has ...

Listen to the episode

Nov. 11, 2024

388 - Dr. Thao Ha - Making Sense of the Divisive 2024 Elections

Join Dr. Thao Ha—a sociology professor with a backstory of survival and resilience. In this episode of The Vietnamese podcast, Kenneth Nguyen hosts Dr. Thao Ha as they explore the unexpected outcomes of the 2024 presidential ...

Listen to the episode

Nov. 5, 2024

Episode 5 - SEA Dreams - Can One Culinary Rating System Be Used For the Entire World?

In this episode of SEA Dreams, we explore the Michelin star rating system’s journey from its beginnings as a French tire company’s travel guide to its status as a global authority on fine dining. But can one rating system rea...

Listen to the episode

Nov. 1, 2024

387 - Sean Porter - Comedian

Sean Porter is a Vietnamese comedian born and raised in LA, and has been featured on season 2 of HBO’s Sweet Life: Los Angeles, Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Radio on Sirius XM, Pop TV's Hollywood Darlings, as well as other sho...

Listen to the episode

Oct. 29, 2024

Episode 4 - SEA Dreams - How Does Common Law and Civil Law Affect Southeast Asian Countries?

Join us as we look into the histories behind civil law and common law , examining how these legal frameworks influence governance, judiciary processes, and even day-to-day life in Southeast Asian countries. Have you ever wond...

Listen to the episode

Oct. 25, 2024

386 - Kevin Pham - Do Vietnamese People Share the Same Heroes?

Kevin Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Theory at the University of Amsterdam. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024), the first book to b...

Listen to the episode

Oct. 23, 2024

385 - Louie Nguyen - How Can We Invest Safely In Vietnam?

Louie Nguyen is a seasoned global investor, with a particular focus on disruptive endeavors and mobilizing capital and human resources to solve community pain points. Prior to joining Mission Driven Finance, Louie founded Sol...

Listen to the episode

Oct. 21, 2024

384 - Khue Pham - Getting to the Real Story

Khue Pham was born in Berlin in 1982 to a Vietnamese family and her love for storytelling began with childhood trips to the library. From writing poems as a teen to becoming an award-winning journalist and author, her journey...

Listen to the episode

Oct. 18, 2024

383 - Joseph Nguyen - What Gives Us the Right to Push Vietnamese History and Language in U.S. Schools?

Joseph Nguyễn received his M.A. focusing on Vietnamese and Vietnamese Diaspora Studies at Columbia University. In 2022, he also received a Fulbright Fellowship to Vietnam. Currently, Joseph teaches Vietnamese American Experie...

Listen to the episode

Oct. 15, 2024

Episode 3 - SEA Dreams - WHY DOES SINGAPORE LEAD THE WAY IN SOUTH EAST ASIA?

Singapore is a city-state with few natural resources and a colonial past. How was it able to grow into an economic powerhouse and what lessons can be learned and are these lessons applicable to the rest of South East Asia? We...

Listen to the episode

Oct. 14, 2024

382 - Tymay Lay - Can Jokes Still Be Funny Without the Asian Accent?

Tymay Lay is an online content creator responsible for the creation of Dear Diary and Peggy and other True Stories from my Imagination from @Tymaylay. In this episode of the Vietnamese podcast, Tymay shares her online comedy ...

Listen to the episode

Oct. 11, 2024

381 - Nam Phong Dialogues - Kevin Pham and Yen Vu

On this episode of the Vietnamese podcast, Kevin and Yen delve into their academic backgrounds, the inception of their podcast 'Nam Phong Dialogues', and the complexities of cultural identity and post-colonial influences. The...

Listen to the episode

Oct. 7, 2024

380 - Joseph Nguyen - Why is Vietnamese Being Taught Side By Side in U.S. Schools?

Joseph Nguyễn received his M.A. focusing on Vietnamese and Vietnamese Diaspora Studies at Columbia University. In 2022, he also received a Fulbright Fellowship to Vietnam. Currently, Joseph teaches Vietnamese American Experie...

Listen to the episode

Oct. 3, 2024

379 - The Rolling 90's Music Scene with Kenneth and Guests Son Vu and Chris Tran

Join Kenneth as he sits down with his former club-promoting partner (1995-1997), Son Vu. Together with Chris Tran from Little Saigon, they take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the vibrant mid-90s party scene in Sou...

Listen to the episode

Oct. 1, 2024

Episode 2 - SEA Dreams - Coffee and Beyond

Join us for an exploration of Vietnam’s coffee history, tracing its journey from colonial roots to its modern global presence. In this episode, we break down the journey of coffee production in Vietnam, diving into the politi...

Listen to the episode

Sept. 30, 2024

378 - Eric Nong - A Deep Dive into Vietnamese Cinema with Viet Film Festival Artistic Director

Join us in conversation with Eric Nong, the Artistic Director of Viet Film Fest, as he takes us behind the scenes of this year’s film lineup. We explore the festival’s events, film premieres, and notable guests while discussi...

Listen to the episode

Sept. 27, 2024

377 - Daniel Nguyen + Katherine Lam - Why Representation Matters

Daniel Nguyen, originally from the Pacific Northwest, made history as the first person of color on the City Council of Lake Oswego, Oregon, and currently serves as an Oregon state legislator for the 38th district. Katherine L...

Listen to the episode

Sept. 25, 2024

376 - Andy Ho aka Hoey Farmer from the V Unit

Andy Ho is the man behind the viral sensation Hoeyfarmer. With his signature nón lá (Asian conical hat), Hoeyfarmer has captured the hearts of over 500,000 followers across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, delighting millions...

Listen to the episode

Sept. 23, 2024

375 - Nguyen Cao Ky Duyen - MC Paris by Night

Nguyễn Cao Kỳ Duyên is a Vietnamese-American singer, songwriter, and master of ceremonies and co-host of Paris by Night. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donations Advertising...

Listen to the episode

Sept. 19, 2024

374 - Sahra Nguyen - Founder Nguyen Coffee Supply

Nguyen Coffee Supply was founded by Sahra Nguyen, a 1st generation Vietnamese American and a quintessential Millennial of the “Slash Generation”. Her multifaceted creative career includes being the award-winning documentary f...

Listen to the episode

Sept. 16, 2024

Episode 1 SEA Change - What is Pho?

Welcome to SEA Change! Explore Southeast Asia’s dynamic past, present, and future landscape through the lens of culture, food, business, history, and politics. Each episode deep dives into expert analysis on key events shapin...

Listen to the episode